Casing machine



July 27, 1954 J. H. HOLSTEIN 2,684,799

CASING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1950 9 sheets-sheet 1 JOHN H. HOLSTE/N INVENTOR HUEB/VER, BEEHLER, WORREL [15.9216 8 CALDWELL ATTORNEYS r im/9K!!! y 1954 I J. H. HYOLSTEIN 2,684,799

' CASING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 JOHN HOLSTE/N INVENTOR HUEBNER, 555mm, wama,

HERZ/G a CALDWELL A7TORNEVS y 1954 J. H. HOLSTEIN 2,684,799

' CASING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet s JOHN h. HOLSTE/N INVENTOR mvsn, BEE'HLER, WORREL,

HERZ/G & CALDWELL ATTORNEYS 8V mym y 7, 1954 J. H. HOLSTEIN 2,684,799

CASING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 JOHN H. HOLSTE/N INVENTOR HUEBNER,

m /90 BEE/ILER,

; 7 V WORREL A HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL ATTORNEYS J. H. HOLSTEIN CASING MACHINE July 27, 1954 9 SheetsSheet 5 Filed March 25, 1950 J. H. HOLSTEIN CASING MACHINE July 27, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 25, 1950 e JOHN H. HOLSTE/N INVENTOR HUEBNER, 955mm, WORREL, HERZ/G & CALDWELL ATTORNEYS July 27, 1954 J. H.- HOLSTEIN 2,684,799

CASING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 JOHN H. HOLSTE/N lNl/ENTOR HUEMER, BEEHLER, WORREL,

HERZ/G I CALDWfLL A TTORNEVS July 27, 1954 Filed March 25, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 /86 /89L l L 1 A906 203 A91 Fia/i JOHN H. HOLSTE/N INVENTOR M HUEBNER, BEEHLER, WORREL,

/86 HE/PZ/G a CALDWELL A96 ATTORNEYS Br MM CASING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed March 25, 1950 JOHN H. HOLSTfl/V /N l/E N 7' OR HUEBNER, BEEHLER, WORREL,

HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL A TTDRNEVS WWW Patented July 27, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 15 Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to casing machines and more particularly to an apparatus for gently inserting bottled goods or other merchandise into cartons or other packing or storage receptacles.

The placing of bottled beverages and the like into cases for handling, storing, and shipping convenience is a laborious repetitious task but one which has been difficult to perform by mechanical means. The bottles are generally frail and easily broken. The beverages, if carbonated, frequently cause the botttles to explode when handled in any but a most gentle manner. Such destruction is a waste of the bev erages and bottles and constitutes a serious danger to laborers who are near the bottled beverages. Further, great care must be exercised to avoid scratching or scarring the bottles and damaging labels affixed thereto.

Three well known types of apparatus have been provided for the placing of bottled goods into containers. These apparatus are subject to certain difiiculties which the present invention has overcome. One such mechanical apparatus drops the bottled goods for gravitational descent into the containers with a resultant high loss due to breakage. Another such apparatus lowers the bottled goods by means of frictional engagement with the sides thereof which not only scratches the bottles but objecticnably scratches, tears, and partially removes or displaces labels freshly affixed to the bottles. The third apparatus tumbles the bottled goods and cases therefor during the inserting operation. Among other difiiculties, this apparatus subjects the bottled goods to unnecessary rough handling and agitation,

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for inserting articles into cases, containers, boxes, crates and the like therefor.

Another object is to obviate or materially reduce the damage to bottled goods and the like incident to the mechanical inserting thereof into cases as conventionally experienced.

Another object is to provide a packaging or casing machine with means for automatically conveying and locating the cases for the insertion of merchandise therein.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide means for automatically folding the flaps of cartons to out-of-the-way positions for the subsequent insertion of merchandise into the cartons.

Another object is to provide a casing machine with means for inserting merchandise and particularly bottled merchandise into cases in a positive and gentle manner.

Another object is to provide means in a packaging machine, for inserting a plurality of bottles simultaneously into cases provided therefor.

A still further object is to provide a casing machine with automatic sequential operation insuring the proper positioning of operable members for actuation thereof.

Further objects are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device of the character set forth that is durable, economical, dependable, and fully effective in its operation.

Still further objects and advantages will. be come apparent in the subsequent description in the specification.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a top plan view of a casing machine employing the principles of the present invention and fragmentarily showing a delivery conveyor utilized therewith.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the casing machine with the delivery conveyor thereof in vertical transverse section.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view through the casing apparatus, as taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, somewhat further enlarged, vertical transverse sectional view through the casing machine, as taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, horizontal, transverse sectional view through the bottle handling portion of the casing machine, as taken along line 55 in Fig. 2 of the drawing, showing a plurality of bottles on a bottle conveyor in position to be moved onto a bottle lowering mechanism by means of a bottle loading apparatus shown in retracted position.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing the bottle loading apparatus in extended position with the plurality of bottles moved thereby onto the bottle lowering mechanism.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through the bottle handling mechanism and an exemplary case showing the bottle lowering mechanism in raised position to receive bottles thereon and the bottle loading apparatus in retracted position with a plurality of bottles between the bottle lowering device and the bottle loading mechanism on the bottle conveyor therebetween, as taken along line i-l in Fig. 4 of the drawing.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 but with the 3 bottle loading apparatus in extended position with the plurality of bottles moved thereby from the bottle conveyor onto the bottle lowering mechanism.

Fig. 9 is also a view similar to Fig. 7 but shows the bottle loading apparatus in retracted position and the bottle lowering mechanism in its lowered position with the plurality of bottles being deposited into a carton.

Fig. 10 is a further enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, longitudinal sectional view through the bottle loading mechanism of the casing machine in its raised position to receive bottles thereon, as viewed from line i l-40 in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 but shows the bottle lowering mechanism in its lowermost position and actuated to release bottles previously supported thereon.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary, horizontal, longitudinal sectional view through the bottle lowering mechanism as taken along line l2i2 in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view through a case locating device shown in a first position initially to locate a case for insertion of bottles therein.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but shows the locating device in a following position regulating stepped progression of a case.

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but shows the locating device in a final position of its cycle of operation.

Fig. 16 is a vertical, transverse, section through a portion of the casing machine, as taken along line iti$ in Fig. 2 of the drawings, illustrating the case locating device in elevation and in one of its rotative positions.

Fig. l? is a view similar to Fig. 16 but shows the case locating device rotated 120 to a subsequent position to that illustrated in Fig. 16 to permit the case conveyor to advance a case from one position to a subsequent position.

Fig. 18 is an end elevational View looking at the forward end of one of the case locating devices showing the for initially locating a case in its position in full lines engaging th side of a filled and released case and in dashed lines in a position released from case in position to engage a following case.

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical circuit and pneumatic systems for the sequential operation of the casing machine demonstrating the synchronous interdependence thereof.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings:

The casing machine or the present invention is adapted to encase a large variety or" articles and materials but in the present instance is shown in a form adapted to insert bottles into rectangular cartons, indicated generally by the reference numeral 2%, made of corrugated board or other suitable material. Each carton 2G is formed with a pair of rectangular side flaps 2! along opposite top e ges thereof which are scored at the junction with the carton so that they are easily foldabls relative thereto. Each carton is also provided with a pair of end flaps 22 similar to side flaps 2i. Such cases or cartons are frequently divided into separate compartments 23 by means of longitudinally and transversely extending vertically located partitions 25.

As illustrated, each carton is adapted to receive twelve bottles, which are indicated generally by the reference numeral iii, in three rows of four Lil) bottles each. Obviously the present invention is not limited to use with the carton form nor article to be encased that are shown and described.

The packaging machine comprises a plurality of sub-assemblies including a delivery conveyor 36, and a case conveyor 35 at right angles to the delivery conveyor 3%, on which carton or other contai'-ers are moved to a pair of carton locating devices 32. The carton locating devices 32 retain the cartons on the main conveyor 3! in proper positions for the reception of bottles therein from a bottle handling mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral T e bottle handling mechanism 33, employs a bottle conveyor 3:1 for transporting bottles from a remote position to a position immediately adjacent a bottle loading apparatus 35. This bottle loading apparatus is operable to remove a plurality of bottles from the bottle conveyor 3 5 onto a bottle lowering mechanism or elevator, indicated generally by the reference numeral The elevator is operable to lower bottles from the bottle handling mechanism downwardly into selected compartments of the carton 2t and gently to release the bottles therein. The casing machine i provided with a control system indicated generally by the reference numeral a? in Fig. 19 of the drawings. The foregoing enumerate sub-asse1n blies indicated generally by the reference numerals from 35 to 3'? inclusive, are cooperatively integrated and their functions synchronized speedily and gently to encase bottled beverages and the like.

Delivery conveyor 36 The carton delivery conveyor 3t is conveniently constructed by providing a fabricated frame 38 which is supported on a plurality of vertically extending legs ii. A pair of drums t2 are rotataoly mounted in spaced relationship longitudinally of the secondary conveyor 38 on horizontal transverse axes, one only of the drums being shown in the drawi-g. An endless horizontal belt t3 extends circuitously around th pair of drums i2 and means, not shown, are provided for rotating the drums and advancing the upper run of the endless belt in a direction toward the main conveyor Si or in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. l of the drawings. Rectangular cartons are placed with their open sides upwardly on the belt 33 with the length of the carton located longitudinally of the belt. lhese cartons are maintained transversely on the belt e3 by providing a plurality of spaced rollers it which engage op osite sides of the carton and are rotatably mounted on vertical axes on a pair of bars is along opposite sides of the belt The bars are secured to supports it attached upwardly on the frame of the conveyor Means are attached to the secondary conveyor frame for folding the side flaps of each carton downwardly outwardly of the carton. This means comprises a pair of side flap plows 58 located symmetrically longitudinally of the frame 5?}. Each of the flap plows is provided with a forward terminal end 5i located closely adjacent to the top side of the box and position relatively narrower than the Width of the carton so that as the cartons move along the delivery conveyor the undersides of the side flaps are engaged by the forward ends of the flap folders. Rearwardly of the forward ends, the plows are bowed outwardly and upwardly at 52 to move the side flaps outwardly. Adjacent to the conveyor it, the plows 5d are bent to lie closely adjacent to the sides of the carton, as at 53. The plows 59 preferably extend over a portion of the conveyor 3| to maintain the side flaps in downwardly folded condition until received under end flap plows presently described or engaged by a preceding or following carton.

Carton conveyor 31 The carton conveyor 3| is provided with a frame structure to conveniently supported on a plurality of vertical supporting legs 6|. The frame 60 is strengthened between the legs 9| by means of a plurality of horizontally extending braces 62. A pair of drums 63 are rotatably mounted in the frame 69 adjacent to each end thereof on a horizontal axis. An endless belt 64 extends circuitously around and between the drums 63 for the support of cartons thereon for movement to the bottle handling mechanism 39. The endless belt 64 is further supported by a plurality of spaced, axially horizontal, rollers 95 rotatably mounted between a pair of parallel channel members 66.

The conveyor belt 64 is traveled from the delivery conveyor 39 toward the bottle handling mechanism 39, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The driving means comprises an electric motor 98 supported on and between oppositely located stretchers 62, the motor having driven connection with a transmission 59. A pulley 19 is attached to a shaft of the transmission. A drive shaft 1| extends axially longitudinally of the frame 69 and is rotatably mounted in a pair of spaced bearings 12 with a pulley l3 fixed axially to a mid-portion of the shaft. An endless V-belt 14 extends circuitously around the pulleys i9 and 13 so that the drive shaft fl is rotatably driven by the electric motor 68. A bevel gear 15 is attached to the forward terminal end of the drive shaft H and an intermeshing bevel gear 1'9 is attached to a shaft 71 on which one of the drums 63 is mounted. Thus, on energization of the electric motor 98, the main con=- veyor 3| is driven to advance cartons from the secondary carton conveyor 39 past the bottle handling mechanism 33.

The cartons or cases 29 are maintained transversely of the main conveyor belt 64 as they are moved thereby by providing a plurality of rollers in longitudinal alignment adjacent each edge of the endless belt 64, each set of which is rotatably mounted on a bar 9|. Each bar 9| is secured to supports 82 formed integrally with the carton conveyor frame 99. End flap plows 83, similar to the side flap plows 50, are provided symmetrically of the carton conveyor 3| and serve to open the end flaps outwardly and downwardly so that by the time the carton locating device 32 is reached the carton is fully opened and preconditioned to receive bottles.

Bottle conveyor 34 The bottle conveyor 34 is a portion of the bottle handling mechanism 93 and is provided to move bottles from a filling and capping or corking station to a collection station. A rectangular horizontal table 99 is conveniently supported on a pair of legs 9i attached to the conveyor frame 69 and on a pair of vertical posts 92 which extend from a supporting fioor upwardly to a distance appreciably above the table 99 at opposite sides of the conveyor 3|. A pair of drums 93 are rotatably supported in spaced relation for travel of the bottle conveyor transversely of the carton conveyor 3|. The drums 93 are supported on shafts 6 94 each rotatable in a pair of bearings 95 secured to a portion of the table 99. An endless belt 96 extends circuitously around and between the pair of drums 93 and is motivated so that its upper run moves toward the conveyor 3|, in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 1.

The belt 96 is conveniently driven by securing a pulley 97 to one of the shafts 94 on which one of the drums 93 is mounted. Another pulley 98 is secured to the drive shaft '59 and an endless V-belt 99 extends circuitously around the pulleys 91 and 98 so that when the electric motor 68 is energized the belt 95 of the bottle conveyor 34 is in driven connection with the drive shaft As the endless belt 99 is moved in the direction indicated with bottles to be cased supported thereon, the bottles are guided and maintained on the belt 9'9 by means of a fixed guide we closely adjacent to one edge of the belt and secured to one edge of the table 99. The bottles are confined at the opposite edge of the endless belt by means of an elongated guide |9| which extends transversely of the table 39. This second guide |9| is adjustable transversely of the belt 95 so as to accommodate a single row of bottles or other merchandise of various widths. This adjustment is accomplished by securing a bracket I92 closely adjacent to each end of the guide |9|, a portion of which bracket is slotted at I93. A thumb screw is passed through the slotted portion of each of the brackets I92 and threaded into the table 99 for tightening against its respective bracket.

Bottle loading apparatus 35 A loader is provided for removing bottles or other merchandise from the bottle conveyor 35 onto the bottle lowering mechanism 96 including a ram H9 which is mounted on the table for reciprocal movement transversely of the bottle conveyor 34. The ram H9 is constructed with a pair of transversely extending verticaily spaced plates H i which are maintained in spaced relationship by means of a spacer H2 extending between respective edges of the plates. The ram Eli! is located immediately above the table 99 with the lower plate of the spaced plates movable immediately above and across the upper surface of the bottle conveyor. The forward edges of both of the plates are formed with equally spaced bottle receptacles N9 of semi circular form on vertical axes spaced transversely of the machine substantially equal to the outer diameter of bottles to be moved thereby. Pointed guide projections H4 are formed between adjacent receptacles ||3 for guiding the bottles to proper spaced relationship by ram engagement for insertion into a carton.

Apair of vertically spaced stop fingers H5 extend from the plates ill of the ram H9 toward the bottle elevator 35 transversely of the bottle conveyor 95 at the side of the bottle elevator opposite that from which bottles carried by the conveyor approach. When the ram is in retracted position, as shown in Fig. 5, the stop fingers H5 limit the movement of bottles supported on the bottle conveyor belt 96 so that the required number of bottles are collected between the ram and the bottle lowering mechanism.

The ram H9 is provided with a rearward extension llt longitudinally of the machine toward the receiving end of the main carton conveyor 3! which is slidably located between a pair of slide guides H'l attached to a portion of the table 99. The guides constrain the ram to springs 565 are mounted on the sleeves and urge the fingers and links outwardly, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 11, upon. passing upwardly by deposited bottles. With each support rod I55 and its respective sleeve I59 in their normal position, as illustrated in Fig. 10 of the drawings, the bottle supporting fingers I62 are horizontally extended toward, and substantially at the same level as, the conveyor belt 95 for the reception of bottles thereon from the bottle conveyor. In the lowermost position of the rectangular frame I46 the support rods I 55 of the sleeve I 59 are slid longitudinally on the support rods I55, by a mechanism hereinafter more fully described, to the position as illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. In this position, the relative locations of the support rods and their respective sleeves depress the support fingers I62 to downwardly extending positions removing support of the bottles so that they gravitate into the compartments. It will be apparent that the pivotal movement of the fingers permits the bottles gently and easily to slide therefrom. In this lowermost position of the rectangular frame I40, the heads I58 of the support rods extend downwardly into the compartments of the carton so that bottles supported previously on bottle supporting fingers I62 gravitate only a short distance to the bottom of the carton, and that slidably on the depressed fingers.

The vertically movable rectangular frame and the bottle-supporting members mounted thereon including the support rods I55, sleeves I 59, and bottle supporting fingers I62 are counterbalanced so that they may more easily be moved vertically during the operation of the machine. This coun terbalancing is accomplished by providing a weighted member It? which is attached to the outer terminal end of a cable I68. The cable passes over a pair of pulleys I69 each of which are attached to a cross piece ITII mounted be tween the upper ends of the vertical posts 32. The inner end of the cable extends downwardly from one of the pulleys and is attached to the angle member I50.

Means are provided for moving the support rods I 55 and their respective sleeves I59 relatively longitudinally so that the bottle support fingers Hi2 are positively moved either to bottle supporting positions or to bottle releasing positions. This means comprises a pair of stop rods I75 which extend vertically alongside each of the vertical posts 92 and are maintained axially vertic-ally by brackets MS. The stop rod is preferably screw threaded substantially its entire length and nuts are threaded thereon to engage the brackets Edd to maintain the stop rods in depending relation therefrom. The stop rods extend downwardly through openings I'll near the opposite terminal ends of the bar I at and stops I18 are threaded onto each of the stop rods to engage the upper side of the bar upon upward movement thereof during movement of the frame through its upper limits of travel. A stop collar lie, of cylindrical form, circumscribes each of the stop rods H and each is maintained VBltically on its respective stop rod by a pair of a justing nuts IBIS which engage the under side of the stop collars on which they are supported. On downward movement of the rectangular frame Hit, the bar its makes contact with the upper side of the stop collars I'Iii while the rectangular frame Hill continues its downward movement. moving the sleeves Ifiil relatively on the support rod 255 and pivoting the bottle support fingers I62 to a downwardly directed bottle releasing position. By adjusting the vertical positioning of the stop collars I19, the moment of release of the bottles into compartments in a carton may be regulated. The lower end of each stop rod is secured by passing the same through openings in brackets I8! mounted on the vertical posts Q2 and nuts I82 tightened thereagainst.

Carton locating devices 32 As each carton is moved on the main conveyor 3I to a position underneath the bottle handling mechanism 33, means are provided for locating each carton in three positions of stepped progression longitudinally of the bottle handling mechanism so that each of the three rows of four compartments in each carton is aligned with the elevator to receive bottles therein. The carton locating means comprises a pair of shafts iSE rotatably mounted in bearings I 87 parallel to the conveyor SI. The bearings are attached to the channel members 65. The shafts extend horizontally and axially longitudinally of the machine, one at each transverse side of endless belt 6d of the conveyor 3 A plurality of axially spaced radially extended stop arms are secured to each shaft I comprising a first position stop arm I 88, a second position stop arm and a third position stop arm I98. These stop arms are mounted on each shaft in relation so that on each one-third of a revolution of the shafts I35 brings a suocesive pair of stop arms at opposite sides of the conveyor 3| into carton retaining position for stepped progression of the cartons along the belt 64 passing thereunder. The second and third position stop arms 39 and I tit are rigidly mounted on their respective shafts I85 but the first position stop arm I38 is articulated for pivotal movement in its plane of rotation and spring loaded so that when a filled box or carton is still in position below the bottle handling mechanism, the first position stop arm may engage the sides of the filled carton and snap in position to stop the subsequent box in its initial or first position to receive bottles as the filled carton moves from the first position stop arm. To mount the first position stop arm a spring loaded manner a block I9I is fixed to each shaft Hit With the first position stop arm i853 freely rotatable between the block IQI and a collar Edi. secured to the terminal end of each shaft. A helical tension spring I83 is anchored at IE7?- to each first position stop arm. I88 and at its opposite end is anchored at Ilia to each. block Isl against a stop pin I96 extending from each block I9 I. The stop arms are rotatable in a direction with the upper portion thereof rotatable inwardly and when the first position stop arm engages the filled carton it lags in the direction of rotation while the block IQI continues to the desired positioning of the stop arm with. the spring I93 tensioned to urge the first position stop arm to its intended position. After the filled carton moves from between the first position stop arms they snap to the desired position to locate a following empty carton in its initial position for the filling of its first row of compartments.

The means for rotating each of the shafts E86 includes a star wheel 269, shown in detail. in Figs. 16 and 17, secured to each of the shafts. The star wheels provide detent receptacles till at 12%) intervals opened rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of each shaft. A guide surface 252 is formed between each recessed portion of each star wheel for purposes hereinafter more fully described. The star wheels are rotated I! periodically by a pair of levers 233 each of which is pivoted as at 2st to the horizontal top member Hi2 of the frame i i-ii. The levers 283 are supported in pendent relation on their pivot." nd are urged toward each other by means of sion spring 295 interconnecting portions of the levers. A detent 2% is attached in right angular relation to the lower end of each of the levers 203 and is drawn against the star wheel by the spring. The detents 2&5 are guided during their elevational movement with the frame by an outwardly and downwardly directed cam Eli! provided adjacent to each bearing it'l. The are recessed at 2!! in alignment with the circuitous travel of the receptacles provided an arcuate portion ZlZ concentrically of t respective shafts and is relieved at 2H3 below the concentric portion thereof to a substantially ect dwell portion. On downward movement of he frame I49, each detent 296 follows the outline its cam 210 and glides freely over the guide per tions 252 of the star wheels until the follower is located appreciably below the star wheels. On upward movement of the frame M9, each detent engages a corresponding recessed portion tel of its star wheel and rotates the same subsequent to which it disengages its star wheels and thereafter follows its respective cam. With stop arms I88, H39, and Isl! located at 120 i vals and with the detents rotating each she Y 120 each time the frame is elevated, the stop arms are brought successively into positions restraining the cartons to uniform stepped progression so that the three rows of compartments in each box are filled with bottles from the bottle handing mechanism 33.

In most instances the cartons and their partitions are located properly transversely of the conveyor 3! so that when the rods i552 are lowered the heads 58 properly straddle the partitions avoid the ends of the cartons without jamming the upper edges of the partitions or the Ll':"-.;l' edges of the ends of the carton. Further to insure positive positioning, a horizontal auxiliary frame 214 is mounted for vertical movement between the vertical posts 92 by mounting a pair of vertically spaced grooved wheels 2l5 at spaced ends of the auxiliary frame engagd to the tracks I44. The auxiliary frame also mounts a plurality of dependent headed spring fingers 2H5 and fill. The fingers 2l6 are mounted in adiacent pairs spaced to engage opposite .sides of the partitions 24 extended transversely of the cartons 23. The spring fingers 2H are located outwardly of the fingers 215 and engage the inner surfaces of the ends of the cartons. The fingers extend arcuately downwardly and the heads thereof are shaped so that as the auxiliary frame Bi l is lowered the partitions and carton ends are resiliently urged into place. The auxiliary frame Zi l and its supported fingers are moved vertically by providing a pair of lifter brackets attached to each inner face of the vertical side members M! of the bottle elevator frame Mt. Whenever the frame I is in its upper position the lifter brackets engage the auxiliary frame 2% carry the same to raised position above the cartons. Whenever the frame Hi l is lowered. the auxiliary frame gravitationally descend and the fingers 2l6 and 2H extend into the cartons to perform their intended functions.

Synchronous control system 37 The cylinders H8 and M1 may take any suitable form but are conveniently of a well known type having control valves 220 integral there with, as represented in Fig. 19. Air or gas under pressure is supplied to the control valves of the cylinders by pneumatic conduits l2i and it?! connected to any suitable source of pneumatic pressure, not shown. The cylinder l i8 has a pair of electrical contacts 222 which operate the control valves within the cylinder pneumatically to retract the piston rod when an electrical potential is applied thereto. The cylinder H3 also provides a pair of electrical contacts 223 which control the valves therein pneumatically to extend the piston rod when an electrical potential is applied. Similarly the cylinder it? has a pair of retraction electrical contacts 226 and a pair of extension contacts 225 which function as described for the contacts 222 and 223. The internal structure of the control valves 229 and the electrical means by which they are actuated are of a well known type and not described in detail herein, there being sever 1 suitable commercial forms generally available.

A bottle detecting switch is positioned each or the bottle receptacles of the ram lid and are conveniently mounted on the underside of the adjustable guide ifii. A normally opened elevator detector switch 228 is mounted on the bracket M3 in a position to be engaged and closed by movement of the frame Hill to its upper limit. The extension contacts 23 of the cylinder H8 are electrically connected in series with the gang of bottle detecting switches 22'; and the elevator detectorswitch 228 between opposite poles of a source of electrical energy represented at 22% and 23s. A master control switch 23! is provided in the circuit described for purposes of disconnecting the same from the source of electrical energy. It will be apparent that when there is a bottle in each of the receptacles H3 and the frame Hill is in elevated position, the gang of bottle detecting switches 22'? and the elevator detector switch 228 are closed electrically gizing the contacts 223 and extending piston rod HS from the cylinder H8 so that the ram H0 shoves the bottles located in its receptacles onto the bottle support fingers l62 held in proper position by the elevational positioning of the frame.

A normally open ram detector switch 23 is mounted on the table in a position to be engaged and closed by the ram HG when the ram is in its forwardmost position placing the bottles located in its receptacles H3 onto the support fingers 562. A normally open carton detector switch 235 is mounted on the frame 653 in substantially vertical alignment with the bottle lowering mechanism 35 where it is engaged and closed by the positioning of a carton in proper place to receive bottles. The ram detector switch 23d and the carton detector switch 235 are con nected in electrical series with the extension contacts 225 of the cylinder Ml between the poles 229 and 23E! of the electrical source. Thus, when the ram is in its forwardrnost position having loaded the bottle lowering mechanism and a carton is in proper place to receive bottles, the cylinder It? is pneumatically operated to lower the frame Hit and thus the bottles into their proper places in the carton.

A normally open switch 238 is mounted on one of the posts 32 in a position engageable by a switch actuating bracket 239 borne on the elevator frame M0. The bracket 239 closes the switch 233 at the lower limit of travel of the frame M0. The switch 238 is electrically connected in series with the retraction contacts 224 of the cylinder I ll between the poles of the electrical source. When the frame I40 has descended to its lower limit of travel, the switch 238 is closed and the frame immediately returned to its elevated position by retraction of the piston rod Ids into the cylinder Ml. It is obvious in Fig. 19 that at no time can the switches 228 and 238 both be closed.

The retraction contacts 222 of the cylinder H8 are electrically connected in series with the carton detector switch 235 and the ram detector switch 234 so that the ram H8 is pneumatically retracted as soon as it has reached its forwardmost position as long as there is a carton in place to receive bottles from the elevator or bottle lowering mechanism 36.

Operation The operation of the casing machine of the present invention is clearly apparent and briefly summarized at this point. With the delivery conveyor 3c, carton conveyor 31, and bottle conveyor 34 in operation, as previously described, cartons 20 are placed on the delivery conveyor with their open skies up. As the cartons are moved longitudinally of the belt 43 the side flap plows fold the side flaps 25 of the cartons outwardly and downwardly. The belt 43 discharges the cartons 26 onto the belt 64 which carries the cartons sidewardly toward the bottle lowering mechanism, the end flap plows 83 fold the end flaps 22 f the cartons outwardly and downwardly so that the compartments 23 are conveniently available for the deposit of bottles therein.

The first carton is stopped in a position for the deposit of bottles in the first row of compart ments thereof by engagement with the first stop arm I88. Although the belt 64 continues to travel thereunder, the carton is dependa bly rctained in position until the locating device 32 is rotated to move the first stop arm i823 out of the path of carton travel and the second stop arm I89 into said path of travel.

Filled and capped or corked bottles are fed onto the belt 96 by a suitable means, not shown, and are carried by the belt to the bottle loading apparatus 35. The stop fingers H collect the bottles at a collection station intermediate the ram III] and the bottle elevator 36. The upper surface of the belt is preferably lubricated so that the pressure against the fingers iiii the bottles under which the belt continues to pass is minimized. The guides tilt and Hill and the re tainer plate I25 confine the bottles to alignment on the belt.

When there is a bottle in each of the receptacles MB of the lit, the bottle detecting switches till are closed. It will be recalled that the frame Edi? is always returned to its uppermost position and thus the elevator detector switch 228 is also closed and the ram thrust forwardly transversely of the belt 95 automatically retracting the retainer plate 828* and the bottles are positioned on the support fingers H52. It is significant that the arrangement of the receptacles H3 is such that as the bottles are thrust onto the fingers they are properly spaced for reception into compartments 23 of the cartons 2%.

As shown in Fig. 10, as the frame Mil descends the heads lid of the support rods I55 facilitate precise positioning of the cartons 20 through the engagement of the beveled edges thereof with the cartons. During the lowering movement of the frame I40, the fingers I62 are retained in horizontal position. Just short of the lower limit of travel of the frame, the bar I68 mounting the sleeves I59 strikes the stops I18 and the sleeves are held against further downward movement as the rods I55 continue downwardly a short additional distance. As shown in Fig. 11, the relative movement of the rods and sleeves causes the links its to draw the platforms into downwardly inclined position from which the bottles gently slide into the bottoms of the compartments 23.

At the lower limit of travel of the rods I55, the frame I 46 closes the switch 235 and the frame Mil, rods I55 and sleeves I58 are moved upwardly withdrawing the support fingers I62 from the carton. It will be seen in Fig. 12 that the spacing of the pairs of fingers readily permits passage upwardly by the inserted bottles when in folded position. As the frame Mo approaches its upward limit of travel, the bar I68 engages the stop nuts H8 precluding further upward movement of the sleeves #59 as the rods continue upwardly with the frame. This relative movement of the sleeves and rods positively returns the fingers N52 to horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 10 for the subsequent reception of bottles thereon in the manner previously described.

The ram I Ill having been retracted as soon as the elevator 36 is loaded, bottles accumulate at the collecting station as the elevator inserts the bottles into the cartons. If the gang of bottle detecting switches 22? are all closed by adequate accumulation of bottles in the receptacles II3, the return of the frame to its upper limit closes the detector switch 228 and the cycle just described is repeated. During reciprocation of the rain, the edge thereof opposite from the stop fingers H5 temporarily blocks bottle travel to the collecting station.

evident in Figs. 16 and 17, each time the frame Hit is elevated from its lower limit of travel, the detents 2% concurrently engage in the recess 2t! of their respective star Wheels 200 and each of the shafts I86 is rotated Such rotation removes corresponding stop arms from carton retaining position and permits the carton to advance one step in the progression for the filling of a successive row of compartments 23 therein. When the third stop arms I so are rotated from carton engagement, a completely filled carton is released for continued travel on the carton conveyor 3! to any convenient position for removal. Simultaneously the first stop arms I 38 are brought into carton retaining position for the insertion of bottles in the first row of compartments of a succeeding carton.

The casing machine is fully automatic in its operation and obviously may be adapted to the insertion of various types of articles into innumerable varieties of cartons, cases, packages, crates, and the like. cartons are dependably and accurately located for loading purposes. The arrangement of the bottle detecting switches 22'! insures the complete loading of each compartmerit in the cartons. If all of said switches are not closed the elevator 38 will not operate and the entire mechanism is stopped. The partition locaters Zlfi and the carton end locaters 2|! facilitate precise positioning of the partitions 24 and cartons 29.

The casing machine is fast in operation and ob viates scratching of the bottles and damage to the labels aifixed thereto experienced in conventional casing machines. The bottles are handled so gently that the contents thereof are in no way damaged and even the most highly carbonated beverages can be mechanically placed in their cases without danger of e plosion.

Although I have her shown and described my invention in what I have conceived to he the most practical preferred embodiment, it is 5 recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope or my invention, which is not to be limited to the .etails disclosed herein, but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and systems.

Having descriiced rny inventi as new and cl sire to secure 1. In a casing what I claim Patent is:

clcs in tl eior, the coinbinatii of .f transversely related e ev -y spaced stantially horizontal col veyors, the upper 'conv liver articles to coliecnc lower conveyor lov adapted to deliver cases successively to station, platform mounted a ace upper convey r at the collection vclesi ciprocal elevational movement above th d station, locating means mounted adjacent to the lower conveyor adapted periodica ly to retain cases borne thereby at the loading station, said locating means having controlled connection to the platform whereby upward movement of the platform causes release of the cases for tinueol travel on the conveyor and pro-con said locating for successive retention under the platform, a loader nioi it 'i reciprocal movement transversely of ti oer con" veyor at the collection station in non al alignment with the platform, a synchronous lve linlage for the locating means, platform, and loader reciprocating the loader to transfer articles from the upper conveyor to the platiori when th ele vator is in raised position and ering form into a case and withdrawing the same from while the loader i retracted and the ing means positioned to retain a unri platform, the platform being pivotally inor. for reciprocal movement b extended position and a downwardl directed position, and control means e po i lve to elevational movement of the pie to n horizontally positioning the platform at 'he collection sta tion, maintaining the plati rm in horizontal position during downwar thereof, a d pivoting -e platform nwardly the loaning station.

2. An apparatus for inserting articles doivnwardly into upwardly open containers comprising a continuously traveled conveyor adapted to receive containers thereon, a continuously trav elecl article conveyor supported tra 'ersely above the container conveyor, a stop mot. ed. transversely of the article conveyor above the container conveyor to collect tl ereagainst articles borne by the conveyor, a platform mounted aciiacent to point of article collection for reciprocal elevational movement above the container conveyor m a position. horizontally aligned with the article conveyor and a position adjacent to the container conveyor, plat rm being ivotal between a. horizontal position and. a substantially vertical position, control means horizontally positioning the platform at its upper limit of travel and 1g downward mover ent and substantially vertically positioning the platform at its lower limit of travel and during upward movement, a loader mounted. for reciprocal horizontal movement transversely of the article conveyor at the point of article collection adapted to push collected articles onto the platform, 10- eating means mounted adjacent to the container conveyor engageable with successive containers to locate the containers for reception therein of the platform and. articles borne thereby and released for continued travel or the container in response to upward. movement of the platform, and synchronous driving means elevationally reciprocating the platform in time spaced steps intermediate which the platform is maintained in elevated position at the point of article collection and. reciprocating the loader to move articles from the conveyor to the platform intermediate said reciprocal movements of the platform.

3. A bottle casing machine comprising substantially horizontal continuously traveled casing conveyor, a pair of locating means for casing borne by the conveyor mounted on opposite sides of said conveyor for rotation about axes substantially parallel to the conveyor and having axially spaced. stop arms successively located above the conveyor upon rotation of the locating means to retain the casings in positions of stepped progression, a substantially horizontal continuously traveled bottle conveyor positioned. above the casing conveyor transversely related thereto, an elevator mounted adjacent to the bottle conveyor for vertical reciprocal movement to and from casings moved in stepped progression against the arms, said elevator having a substantially hor ontal platform pivotally movable to downwardly tipped. position at the lower limit of movement or" the elevator, a stop positioned transversely of the bottle conveyor adjacent to the elevator to collect bottles for the loading of the elevator, a loader mounted for reciprocal horizontal movement transversely of the bottle conveyor in alignment with the conveyor for engagement with collected bottles and their movement onto the platforms or" the elevator, a retainer plate mounted for rec'procal elevational 1novenient laterally adjacent to the bottle conveyor between an upper position extended between the conveyor the elevator in alignment transersely of the conveyor from the loader and. a retracted position below the conveyor, and a control linkage interconnecting the loader and. the retainer plate moving the retainer plate into retracted position in response to movement of the loader transversely of the conveyor toward the elevator and into its upper position in response to return movement of the loader.

A bottle casing machine comprising a delivery conveyor adapted to receive cases having upwardly open tops closeable by means of fold.- able side flaps and end flaps, a flap plow mounted above the delivery conveyor adapted to engage the side flaps and to fold them outwardly, a secondary conveyor in right angular relation to the delivery conveyor and adapted to receive cases therefrom, a ilap plow mounted above the secondary conveyor adapted to engage the end flaps and to told them outwar ly while retaining the previously folded side flaps in outwardly folded positions, locating mean mounted for rotation about an axis longitudinally of the secondary conveyor bearing a plural ty of axially spaced stop arms successively located above the secondary conveyor to retain the cases in positions of stepped progression, an elevator mounted for elevational movement above the secondary conveyor adjacent to the stop means for movement to and from cases retained thereby, a bottle conveyor mounted. transversely of the secondary conveyor adjacent to the elevator, a stop transversely disposed to the bottle conveyor adapted to collect bottles carried along the bottle conveyor, a loader mounted for reciprocal movement transversely of the bottle conveyor adjacent to the elevator having bottle receptacles formed therein adapted to space the collected bottles for casing insertion, and synchronous drive means adapted to move the loader across the bottle conveyor in response to the locating of a bottle in each of the receptacles therefor in the loader and raising of the elevator, adapted to lower the elevator and retract the loader in response to the positioning of a case to receive the elevator and bottles and extreme movement of the loader transversely of the bottle conveyor to load the elevator and adapted to raise the elevator from the casin in response to downward movement of the elevator to a predetermined limit.

5. A bottle casing machine comprising a continuously traveledL casing conveyor, a continuously traveled bottle conveyor mounted above the casing conveyor, a pair of casing locating means mounted at opposite sides of the casing conveyor for rotation about axes substantially parallel to said conveyor providing a plurality of stop arms spaced longitudinally of the casing conveyor successively located above the casing conveyor to retain cases in positions of stepped progression for the receipt of bottles upon rotation of the locating means, an elevator positioned above the casing conveyor adjacent to the bottle conveyor, means mounting the elevator for reciprocal elevational movement in alignment with the casing positions as determined by the locating means, the elevator providing a platform mounted thereon for pivotal movement between substantially horizontal positions and downwardly directed bottle discharging positions, control means interconnecting the platform and the elevator mounting means positively positioning the platform horizontally at its upper limit of travel and during downward movement and downwardly directing the platform at its lower limit of travel and during upward movement, a stop mounted transversely of the bottle conveyor adjacent to the elevator to collect bottles passed therealong, a loader mounted for reciprocal movement transversely of the bottle conveyor in alignment with the elevator having bottle receptacles formed therealong adapted to receive bottles collected by the stop, means driving the loader across the bottle conveyor in response to upward positioning of the elevator and receipt of a bottle in each of the receptacles, means vertically reciprocating the elevator in response to reciprocal movement of the loader and the positioning of a casing in bottle receiving position by the locating means, and means rotating the locating means for stepped progression of the casings in response to upward movement of the elevator.

6. A bottle casing machine as specified in claim having an auxiliary frame slideably supported on the elevator mounting means for independent elevational movement, dependent spring fingers borne by the auxiliary frame in positions adapted to engage and position divisions located within the bottle cases, and a bracket borne by the elevator engageable with the auxiliary frame during upper limits of the movement of the elevator to elevate the auxiliary frame and fingers above the casings.

7. A mechanism for lowering articles into restricted quarters comprising a frame mounted for reciprocal elevational movement between predetermined upper and lower limits of travel, a

18 downwardly extended rod mounted on the frame, a sleeve slideably mounted on the rod in frictional engagement therewith tending to cause the sleeve elevationally to travel with the rod, a platform pivotally mounted on the sleeve for movement between a horizontal load retaining position and a downwardly extended load depositing position, a link pivotally interconnecting the rod below the sleeve and the platform at a position radially removed from the pivotal mounting thereof, a stop limiting downward movement of the sleeve with the rod to a position short of the limit of downward movement of the rod whereby continued downward movement of the rod draws the platform downwardly into load depositing attitude, and a stop limiting upward-movement of the sleeve with the rod to a position short of the upward limit of movement of the rod whereby continued upward movement of the rod urges the platform into horizontal load retaining position.

8. A mechanism for lowering articles into restricted quarters and depositing the articles therein comprising an elongated substantially vertical support member mounted for reciprocal elevational movement, drive means vertically reciprocating the support member between predetermined upper and lower limits of travel, a sleeve mounted on the support member for slideable movement longitudinally thereof, a platform mounted on the sleeve for pivotal movement between a horizontally extended load receiving position and a downwardly directed load discharging position, resilient means mounted on the sleeve in platform engagement urging the platform from load discharging position, a link pivotally interconnecting the support member below the sleeve and the platform at a position radially removed from the pivotal mounting thereof, a stop limiting downward movement of the sleeve with the support member to a position short of the lower limit of travel of the member whereby the link draws the platform into load discharging position, and a stop limiting upward movement of the sleeve with the support member to a position short of the upward movement of the support member whereby the link urges the platform into horizontal position.

9. In a bottle casing machine, the combination of a frame mounted for reciprocal elevational movement between predetermined upper and lower limits, pairs of downwardly extended rods mounted in the frame, sleeves slideably mounted on the rods, elongated platform fingers pivotally mounted on the lower ends of the sleeves for movement between horizontal and downwardly directed positions, resilient means mounted on the sleeve in finger engagement urging the finger from downwardly directed position, links individually pivotally connected between the lower ends of the rods and the fingers mounted on the rods respective sleeves, and stop means limiting upward and downward movement of the sleeves with the rods to positions short of the upper and lower limits of travel of the sleeves respective rods.

10. In a casing machine, the combination of a pair of elevationally spaced transversely related substantially horizontal continuously traveled conveyors, means for stopping articles carried by the upper conveyor at a position directly above the lower conveyor, means for temporarily interrupting travel of containers on the lower conveyor at a position laterally adjacent to the upper conveyor, a platform, means pivotally mounting the platform for reciprocal elevational movement between a position horizontally aligned with the upper conveyor laterally adjacent thereto and a lower position within containers whose travel is temporarily interrupted on the lower conveyor, control means locating the platform in horizontal position at the upper limit of travel thereof and during downward movement into containers and pivoting the platform to a downwardly directed position at the lower limit of travel for return to the upper conveyor, and a pusher mounted for reciprocal movement transversely of the upper conveyor when the platform is in elevated position to slide articles from the upper conveyor onto the platform.

11. A mechanism for lowering articles into restricted quarters and depositing the articles therein comprising a frame mounted for reciprocal elevational movement between predetermined upper and lower limits of travel, a pair of laterally spaced support rods rigidly mounted in the frame and downwardly extended therefrom, a sleeve slidably mounted on each rod for movement longitudinally thereof having upper and lower end portions, a finger pivotally mounted on the lower end portion of each sleeve for movement between a horizontally extended position and a downwardly directed position between the rods, a link ivotally connected between the lower end portion of each rod and a mid portion of the finger pivotally mounted on said rods respective sleeve, means mounted on the lower end portion of each rod limiting downward movement of its respective sleeve to a position causing the link mounted thereon to thrust its respective finger into substantially horizontal position, the

interconnected links and fingers being pivotal to substantially aligned positions longitudinally adjacent to the rods between the rods and limiting the upward movement of the sleeves on their rods to predetermined relative travel, a leaf spring mounted on each sleeve engageable with its respective platform when pivoted between the rods resiliently to urge the links and fingers from alignment, a stop rod mounted in parallel relation to the support rods, a bar slidably mounted on the stop rod and rigidly interconnecting the sleeves for corresponding elevational movement, a lower stop mounted on the stop rod engageable with the bar to limit downward travel of the sleeves with the support rods to positions short of the predetermined lower limits of travel of the rods sufficient to pivot the fingers and links between the support rods, and an upper stop mounted on the stop rod engageable with the bar to limit upward movement of the sleeves with the support rods to positions short Of the predetermined upper limits of travel of the rods sufficient to move the sleeves to substantially their lowermost positions thereon thrusting the fingers into substantiallyhorizontal attitude.

12. A bottle casing machine as specified in claim 4 having a retainer plate mounted between the bottle conveyor and the elevator for reciprocal elevational movement between a bottle confining position upwardly extended above the conveyor in alignment transversely of the conveyor from the loader and a downwardly retracted po sition, and a, control linkage interconnecting the loader and the retainer plate for moving the re tainer plate into retracted position in response to movement of the loader transversely of the conveyor toward the elevator and into its bottle retaining position in response to return movement of the loader.

13. A bottle casing machine as specified in claim 5 having a retainer plate mounted between the bottle conveyor and the elevator for reciprocal elevational movement between a bottle rctaining position extended upwardly from the conveyor and a downwardly retracted position, and control means interconnecting the loader and the retainer plate retracting the retainer plate in response to movement of the loader transversely of the bottle conveyor toward the elevator and elevating the retainer plate in response to re traction of the loader.

14. An apparatus for inserting articles into containers comprising a lower conveyor for transporting upwardly open containers successively to a loading station; means for momentarily retaining the containers at the loading station; an upper conveyor for transporting the articles to a collection station above the containers at the loading station; a platform; means pivotally mounting the platform for reciprocal rectilinear elevational movement between a position horizontally aligned with the upper conveyor and laterally adjacent thereto and a lower position within containers whose travel is momentarily interrupted on the lower conveyor; control means locating the platform in horizontal position at the upper limit of travel thereof, maintaining the platform in horizontal position dur ing downward movement into containers, pivoting the platform to a downwardly directed position at the lower limit of travel, and maintaining the platform in the downwardly directed position during upward movement from the containers; and means synchronous with the elevational movement of the platform for transfering articles from the upper conveyor onto the platform when the platform is horizontally aligned with the upper conveyor.

15. A mechanism for lowering articles into restricted quarters and depositing the articles therein comprising an elongated substantially erect support member mounted for reciprocal elevational movement between predetermined upepr and lower limits of travel, means mounted on the support member for slidable movement longitudinally thereof, a platform pivotally mounted on the slidable means for movement between a substantially horizontal article supporting position and a substantially vertical retracted article depositing position, resilient means mounted on the slidable means urging the platform from its substantially vertical retracted position, a link pivotally interconnecting the support member below the slidable means and the platform, and stop means limiting upward and downward movement of the slidable means with the support member to positions short of the upper and lower limits of travel of said member whereby relative movement of the member and slidable means near the limits of travel causes the link to pivot the platform between a horizontal load receiving position and a downwardly directed load discharging position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

